More than 100 members of Muslim Youth USA, and 40 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association have passed out food, water, temporal shelters and other supplies to the victims. Although they are Muslims, the volunteers are helping anybody else that’s in distress.

“We’ve already provided basic supplies such as food items and water bottles. And we have a few members who have boats who are going around making sure everyone is safe.”

Qasim Rashid, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC), said the groups had prepared to help people days before the storm arrived. AMC sent volunteers to Houston neighborhoods as early as Sunday – just two days after the storm first hit, he added.

All three groups identify as Ahmadiyya Muslim – an embattled branch of Islam that originated in India in the 19th century. According to Rashid, the groups follow the teachings of Caliph Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who preaches empathy for their fellow Americans.

“Your faith as Muslims and your identity as Americans needs to hold you accountable. Whenever your fellow Americans are in need, you need to be the first ones on the ground to help them.”

In addition to sending volunteers on the ground, Humanity First USA, an international charitable trust run by the AMC, raised more than $18,000 to benefit the victims of hurricane Harvey.